Sunset cruise aboard our '04 FV270 Tiki Hut running down Sarasota Bay on a tropical evening

raybo3

I have not been able to use my boat for 2-1/2 weeks and now my Rinker is sick. Very strange problem. On the port side engine the electric fuel pump wont stop running and the helm is completely dead. No horn no blower no lights nothing. Looked at it all day today and can not find anything. Back at it tomorrow. Was really hoping for one more good ride before the haul but not looking good.....

raybo3

I never said they were RY......lol

rasbury

Here is my first Rinker, was moored at sebastian inlet

rasbury

and here is my latest, at a place called Silver Glen right at the Ocala national forest off Lake George

MarkB

How many did your first Rinker sleep?

raybo3

This was my first Rinker........

raybo3

Yerp........... All good......LOL

Dream_Inn

Ras, great family picture!  I did some work way back in Ocala for a few months (installed air traffic radar between there and Gainesville for Jacksonville traffic control). You haven't seen any alligators in them there waters??

rasbury

there all over the place......not so much up in the spring but the St Johns, full of them.....

rasbury

and that pirate ship was moored off a spoil island near Sebastian inlet, don't know the story on it, very odd!

TikiHut2

"all over the place..." Like this guy about 3mi from Silver Glen who was longer than the lane is wide....Pretty consistent for the St Johns. Swimmers be aware.

http://www.wistv.com/clip/10124798/massive-gator-spotted-strolling-down-georgetown-co-road

We've anchored in that spring and it's awesome during the week when it quiets down. Very primal with the ancient cypress and constant flights of Osprey filling up on fish. The water is absolutely Gin clear without the crowds of a busy weekend. One of our very memorable spots to anchor. Here's one of swimming in the spring..... Not for the faint of heart at 72*, or for those that are lacking in situational awareness related to lurking gators.

MarkB

Nice picture Tiki. 72F, I think I keep my hot tub at that temperature here in Canada. LOL.

rasbury

vary rare to hear about a human attack, not sure if that means you don't survive or it seldom happens! Usually the attacks you hear of are either landed on one or near, or if your around a nest with little ones, well, that does not end well. I used to swim all the time in the river but very selective now and as I say, seldom hear of enounters.

TonyWalker

I swam only once in salt water, anchored off of Egmont Key.  A very uneasy feeling.  I felt like I was food.

TikiHut2

Egmont is teaming with a very intimidating amount of sea life.  I feel your anxiety.  I backed in by the lighthouse last year but was still 100' from shore. The admiral was fine until an enormous school of stingrays Swam under the boat. It took them at least 5mins to pass followed by dozens of huge leopard rays. Sharks visible in the gulf side surf is nearly constant. Just dont tie any shrimp to your toes.